Arianespace introduced a launch capability for small payloads in the late 1980s that has resulted in the successful launch of 20 small satellites. This launch capability, known as the Ariane Structure for auxiliary payloads (ASAP) has been used on five Ariane IV launches since 1990. ASAP consists of a mounting ring located below the primary payload on which as many as six small satellites can be mounted. Each satellite is limited to a maximum weight of 50 kg. ASAP has provided invaluable assistance to the small satellite industry through the introduction of a readily available, low cost means of putting small scientific and commercial payloads into orbit.
Ariane ASAP ring: workhorse launcher for small satellites
Platforms and Systems ; 1994 ; Rome,Italy
Proc. SPIE ; 2317
1995-01-09
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
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